Joe Rogan believes religion has played a big role in the success of Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team.
After retiring with the UFC lightweight title wrapped around his waist and a perfect 29-0 record, ‘The Eagle’ has focused on crafting the next generation of Dagestani superstars. Thus far, he’s produced Islam Makhachev, the UFC’s current 155-pound titleholder, reigning Bellator lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov, and No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov.
Speaking on the continued success of Team Khabib, longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan suggested that their “religious framework” has kept them disciplined, and thus, kept them winning.
“I think for a lot of people it helps them become successful,” Rogan said on a recent episode of his JRE podcast. “I think having a religious framework helps you become successful. I think it’s one of the keys to these Dagestan fighters in the UFC. They’re so religious and devout that they’re so disciplined, that they don’t deviate from the path at all. Because of that, they just keep winning.”
One Team Khabib Fighter Details Brutal Training Sessions with Usman Nurmagomedov
Of course, part of the success comes from the rigorous training regimen that demands excellence each time a Team Khabib fighter steps on the mat.
During a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, undefeated PFL standout Ibragim Ibragimov detailed the brutal sessions — in particular, those run by Usman Nurmagomedov who deploys a shark-tank-style workout to get the absolute most out of each session.
“These are the hard times when he [Usman] runs the class,” Ibragimov said. “All the guys that are preparing for the fights go on the wall. Then everybody gets five people in a group and all five of the people will swap.
“One minute it’s one guy, the next minute someone fresh, another minute fresh guy, they’re all trying to take you down on the wall, then after five minutes you get a minute’s rest and those five people, all fresh, you’re attacking them.”
Watch the full episode below:
